Blackford Dolphin technical delay

PETROWATCH learnsBlackfordwill be ready to move to its Mahanadi basin drilling location only by the end of this month (February). â€œThe rig manager visitedBlackfordon February 16 and after an inspection realised that more time is needed to prepare her for drilling,â€‌ reports a source.

â€œThere are no major problems. Only some maintenance-related issues; so there's no reason for concern.

â€‌Blackfordarrived on India's east coast on January 30 after a drilling campaign in Oman and after customs clearance the crew, hired from multiple service contractors, mobilised as scheduled on February 8 off Gangavaram port in Andhra Pradesh. But the crew was then de-mobilised on February 17 awaiting completion of pending rig work.

Reliance will not be charged forBlackforduntil she begins drilling, we understand.